Walking Lake Garda’s Northern Shores

Lake Garda has long attracted artists, poets, politicians, and royalty to its glittering shores – and for good reason. Located in the leafy north and fringed by the mighty Dolomites, it’s possibly the most beautiful of all the Italian Lakes. Let this walking holiday introduce you to Garda’s green hills, vineyards, and characterful collection of lakefront towns and villages. Highlights include hiking on Monte Baldo, and enjoying a boat trip across to Malcesine – a medieval town clinging to the rocks on the lake’s eastern shore.
What you’ll love
- Spend the week close to the beautiful Limone sul Garda
- Soaking up the 360-degree views on the Monte Baldo cable car
- Walking the old Ponale Road from Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley
- Visiting the medieval village of Canale, an artist’s haven
- Admiring the views of Lake Garda from Monte Bestone
What’s included
- Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7 nights' accommodation in Limone
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Gallery
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to Hotel Garda Bellevue in Limone sul Garda. Unpack and settle in. Stretch your legs along the picturesque promenade hugging Lake Garda
Limone sul Garda is a small pearl located on the western side and is the most northerly town on the lake. With its inviting promenade and picturesque cobblestone alleys this old town has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The mediterranean landscape dotted with olive and lemon trees is a perfect environment for walking
Option 1 - Sentiero del Sole
Distance: 6.2 miles (10km)
Total Ascent: 1148ft (350m)
In summary: Starting from the hotel we take a stroll through the old town of Limone. We walk along the picturesque lakeside promenade, then through the narrow alleys and the lemon garden until we reach the beautiful cycle path which hangs over the lake resulting in stunning views that are unique in Europe. The way back goes partially on a higher panoramic track, called the Sentiero del Sole or the ‘Path of the Sun.’ This path also offers wonderful views of the lake and mountains as we wander passed citrus and olive trees. Returning to Limone you can enjoy time exploring or you may like to take an aperitif at one of the lake side cafés.
Option 2 - San Giovanni Stream
In summary: Starting from the hotel we take a stroll through the old town of Limone. We walk along the picturesque lakeside promenade, then through the narrow alleys and the lemon garden until we reach the Natura (Nature Walk) We follow the course of the landmark San Giovanni stream to a panoramic viewpoint and a small waterfall. From here we continue exploring the area above Limone enjoying amazing views of the lake and the mountains. Returning to Limone you can enjoy time exploring or you may like to take an aperitif at one of the lake side cafés.
Option 1 - Arco and its olive groves
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Ascent: 689ft (210m)
In summary: Travel by coach to the town of Arco where our walk begins. We follow a path through the Arboretum where we can admire plants from all over the world. We continue through public gardens and olive tree groves leading up to the castle. We reach the castle and from where we enjoy amazing views of the lake and mountains all around. Returning to Arco you can enjoy free time exploring and you might like to search for souvenirs and taste a delicious ice-cream from one of the many gelaterias
Option 2 - Arco and Monte Baone
Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Ascent: 1115ft (340m)
In summary: We follow the same route as option one, starting in Arco and walking up to the castle. From here we continue our route on Monte Baone before returning to Arco. We do not ascend the mountain. On return to Arco, you may like to reward yourself with a delicious ice cream or relax in a café before we head back to Limone.
Enjoying a boat trip across the lake we head to the medieval town of Malcesine situated on the lower slopes of Monte Baldo. This is one of the most attractive towns on the shores of Lake Garda with its cobbled streets overlooked by the beautiful Castello Scaligero. Our walks from the town take in some wonderful panoramic views
Option 1 - Monte Baldo Cable Car
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Total ascent: 1100 feet (360m)
In summary: We’ll reach pretty Malcesine by boat from where we’ll board the panoramic cable car that’ll take us up Monte Baldo. It gently rotates as it climbs, too, giving you 360-degree views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Once we arrive at the top station, located 1,780m above sea level, we’ll set off along a winding mule track to a mountain refuge, which makes a great coffee stop thanks to far-reaching views down to the lake. Wooded tracks then lead us back to the station to catch the cable car back down to Malcesine. Stroll the town’s streets and sip a coffee by the lake before we return by boat to Limone.
Option 2 - Monte Baldo cable car and Ventrar path
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In summary: Like option one, we’ll take the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo before setting off on a circular loop along the Ventrar path, which rewards with wow-worthy views over the Alto Gara region.
You’ll have a free day to explore the area around Lake Garda as you please, or simply relax at the hotel.
Limone sul Garda – the lakeside town where we’re staying is well worth further exploration. The waterfront restaurants offer typical dishes with stop-and-stare views while its cobbled streets lead you to historic delights like the Church of San Benedetto Abate and San Rocco. There’s also the open-air museum, Limonaia del Castel, an 18th century lemon house.
Garda Cycle Path – fringing the entire shore of Lake Garda, you can walk or cycle your way between towns.
Lake Garda’s beaches tempt with azure waters and mountain views, especially those around Limone sul Garda. Pebble beaches like Grostol, Fonte Torrente San Giovanni, and Cola provide an idyllic place to relax.
Verona – you’re within easy reach of UNESCO-listed Verona from Lake Garda. Visit the Roman amphitheater and take in the views from the postcard-worthy bridges over the Adige River.
Riva del Garda – a day trip to another of Lake Garda’s gems, Riva del Garda, tempts with impossibly scenic mountain and lake views thanks to its location at the end of the lake. A stroll around the historic centre will lead you to its medieval fortress and Torre Apponale.
On the Trentino side of Lake Garda, our walks take us to Lake Tenno and the medieval town of Canale di Tenno. Pretty Lake Tenno has a nearly perfect round form and is surrounded by trees at the foot of Monte Misone. Canale di Tenno is an ancient town which remains mostly intact from the first written records listing it in 1211. Cobbled lanes, stone houses sitting closely together, arches and small squares create a medieval atmosphere.
Option 1 - Ballino Pass to Tenno Castle
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Total ascent: 490 feet (150m)
Total Descent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: A coach will take us to the Ballino Pass from where we’ll begin our hike along ancient mule tracks. Our first stop will be Lake Tenno with its crystalline waters, then Canale, a picturesque medieval village that’s listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful. We’ll wind up the walk at Tenno Castle where the coach will take us back.
Option 2 - Canale - Rifugio San Pietro - Tenno
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In summary: We’ll begin at Lake Tenno, heading up to the village of Canale. Following a steep forest path we’ll reach Rifugio San Pietro, situated in the midst of a meadow with views over upper Garda. We’ll head back down to Tenno to join the rest of the group.
Since the late 1990s the old Ponale road has been used only by walkers and mountain-bikers. It is one of the main attractions of upper Garda and offers great views of the lake. Deep in the heart of the valley are the emerald Alpine waters of Lake Ledro surrounded by mountains and forests.
Option 1 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (550m)
In summary: We’ll walk the old Ponale Road, which winds its way from Riva del Garda via numerous small tunnels and a canyon to Ledro Valley. On the way, you’ll spot WWI fortifications and the Ponale waterfall before we stop to take it all in on a terrace high above Lake Garda. You’ll see all the way down to Torbole, Riva, and Malcesine, nestled beneath Monte Baldo.
We’ll continue to the small mountain village of Biacesa where a coach will take us to Lake Ledro. You can choose between visiting the museum here, dedicated to the Bronze Age communities, or enjoying a wander around the pretty lake shore.
Option 2 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa and Lake Ledro on foot
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 2,500 feet (790m)
In summary: We’ll take the same route as option one, instead, we’ll continue to Lake Ledro on foot from Biacesa.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Hotel Garda Bellevue – Lake Garda
With an excellent location only a 7-minute walk from Limone and close to the lake, our hotel for the week, is the 4-star Garda Bellevue. (local star rating) Rooms are comfortable with air conditioning, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi and satellite channels. There is an outdoor pool with bar and a saltwater indoor pool in the wellness centre. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and evening meals in the dining room with panoramic views of the lake. Breakfast is a good range of hot and cold dishes including a gluten-free corner. Dinner is included with a three-course menu of choice. (except on arrival night when it is a set menu – please advise our sales team of any dietary requirements when booking)
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
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2025 | ||||||||
16 Apr - 23 Apr 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Single from £1,634 Double from £1,429 pp |
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10 May - 17 May 2025 7 nights |
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20 Sep - 27 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025
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Double from £1,529 pp |
from £1,529 pp |
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Book Now | |||
27 Sep - 04 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary 2025 Single from £1,734 Double from £1,529 pp |
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from £1,734 |
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04 Oct - 11 Oct 2025 7 nights |
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Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes return flights to Milan, hold baggage and airport transfers.
- Independent travellers can join our airport transfers from Verona or Milan Linate Airport (10 May - 17 May 2025 only) - please contact us for prices
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
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